FIFA Confirms U.S. Training Bases for 39 National Teams Ahead of the 2026 World Cup
The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is accelerating as FIFA officially finalized the training base camps for national teams competing in the tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While many cities will host official matches, dozens of additional communities across America will experience the excitement of the World Cup by serving as preparation sites for some of the world’s biggest soccer nations.
The expanded 2026 tournament will become the largest FIFA World Cup ever organized, featuring 48 national teams and a record number of matches spread across North America. The competition begins on June 11 and concludes on July 19, marking the first men’s World Cup hosted in the United States since 1994.
In total, 39 national teams selected training facilities in the United States, spreading economic activity, international tourism, and fan engagement across 19 states. FIFA officials believe these base camps will create additional opportunities for local communities to connect with players and national teams outside official stadium host cities.
Information about the tournament structure, venues, and schedules continues to be updated through FIFA World Cup 2026 as preparations intensify ahead of kickoff.
California, Texas, and the East Coast Attract Major National Teams
California emerged as one of the most popular destinations for World Cup teams, hosting seven national squads across multiple cities. United States men’s national soccer team selected Irvine’s Great Park Sports Complex as its primary training base, while Australia national soccer team will train in Oakland.
Other California-based teams include Paraguay national football team in San Jose, Qatar national football team in Santa Barbara, Austria national football team in Goleta, New Zealand national football team in San Diego, and Switzerland national football team at facilities near San Diego.
Texas also secured several international teams thanks to its large stadium infrastructure and growing soccer culture. Saudi Arabia national football team will train in Austin, while Sweden national football team selected Frisco near Dallas. Democratic Republic of the Congo national football team chose Houston, and Czech Republic national football team will prepare in Mansfield.
Along the East Coast, powerhouse nations selected strategic locations near major transportation hubs and match venues. Brazil national football team will train in New Jersey near New York City, while France national football team selected facilities near Boston.
Additional details about American host cities and transportation planning are available through U.S. Soccer as organizers continue preparing for millions of international visitors.
Traditional Soccer Powers Spread Across the United States
Several of the world’s most recognizable football nations selected training bases outside traditional tourism centers, creating unique opportunities for local fans to watch elite athletes train during the tournament.
England national football team will establish its base in Kansas City, Missouri, while Netherlands national football team will also train in the Kansas City area using facilities connected to professional women’s soccer club KC Current.
Germany national football team selected Winston-Salem, North Carolina, while Spain national football team will prepare in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Japan national football team chose Nashville for its training camp.
Elsewhere, Argentina national football team, the defending world champions, selected Kansas City’s Sporting KC facilities as their American headquarters. Belgium national football team will train near Seattle, and Croatia national football team chose Alexandria, Virginia.
The selection of smaller cities and university facilities reflects FIFA’s effort to distribute the economic benefits of the tournament beyond official match venues. Hotels, restaurants, transportation companies, and local tourism industries are expected to benefit from extended stays by teams, staff, media organizations, and international supporters.
Tournament infrastructure updates and venue information can also be explored through Major League Soccer, whose clubs are providing many of the training facilities used by national teams.
The Largest World Cup Ever Will Transform North American Soccer
The 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a historic moment for soccer in North America. The tournament’s expansion from 32 to 48 teams significantly increased the number of participating nations and required a much broader network of training centers, transportation systems, and hospitality infrastructure.
In addition to the United States, several countries selected base camps in Canada and Mexico. Canada men’s national soccer team and Panama national football team will train in Canada, while Colombia national football team, Mexico national football team, Uruguay national football team, and several others selected facilities in Mexico.
The tournament is expected to generate billions of dollars in economic activity across North America while dramatically increasing soccer’s visibility in the United States. Organizers anticipate packed stadiums, massive television audiences, and tourism surges in both host cities and training camp locations.
One of the tournament’s most anticipated events will take place at MetLife Stadium, where the World Cup final is scheduled to be played. Entertainment plans surrounding the final have already attracted global attention, including announcements involving internationally recognized performers.
Fans searching for ticketing updates, schedules, and fan experiences can continue monitoring developments through FIFA Ticketing and Hospitality as the world prepares for one of the largest sporting events ever hosted in North America.
